Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. You may need to have blood tests done regularly.

Follow these guidelines for 12 hours after receiving samarium Sm 153 lexidronam, to help reduce the chance of contaminating other persons or the environment with radiation:

Use a normal toilet, if available, instead of a urinal.

Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam is passed mainly in the urine. To prevent contamination of your home environment, flush the toilet twice after using.

Wipe any spilled urine with a tissue and flush it away.

Wash your hands after using or cleaning the toilet.

Wash your clothes and bed linens immediately, if they become soiled with your urine or blood. Wash them separately from other clothes.

If you cut yourself, wash away any spilled blood.

Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If your blood count becomes abnormally low, there are certain precautions you can take to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding, such as:

With abnormally low white blood cell counts:

If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.

Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.

Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.

With abnormally low platelet blood counts:

Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; or pinpoint red spots on your skin.

Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.

Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.